Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Malibu SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

In 2001 we purchased a new chevrolet malibu. after just 17,000 miles we were informed it would not pass a safety inspection because the brakes had worn out. gm replaced the brakes for us. 13,000 miles later the same thing happened. after much complaining and letter writing, gm replaced the brakes again. i inspected the brakes in both instances and noticed that only the inner brake pad was worn, the outer pad looked brand new. the caliper is cast aluminum and it bends when the brakes are applied much like a cheap "c" clamp that you might find in a dollar store. there are two major concerns i have about this condition. first and foremost is the safety of this system. with the constant flexing i am concerned that the caliper may fracture at some point down the road. in addition to the flexing, i believe the inner pad is overheating, since it is doing all of the work, and this could cause brake fade. the caliper also appears to bind on the guide pins when the brakes are applied. when the casting bends, it causes a misalignment of the guide pins and consequently the caliper then binds. the second issue i have is with the life of the brakes. gm says the brakes should only last between 8,000 and 12,000 miles. if the caliper didn't flex as much and the pads were wearing evenly the life expectancy of the brakes would go up significantly. in either case gm blew it with their choice of these calipers on this vehicle. at the very worst, they are putting people at risk. i wonder how many accidents involving these vehicles could be attributed to the brakes, and are people even looking at the brakes as a cause? at best, gm is shafting their customers. people are paying needlessly for service work they don't need. there is the potential for serious injury resulting from this. it also speaks to gm's integrity and ethics, allowing an inferior brake system to be used on its vehicles. *nlm

When braking vehicle would shake. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated it was tires. consumer went to firestone, and had tires replaced. however, problem reoccurred. dealer wont look at vehicle. please provide any further information.*ak

Front brakes rotors and pads went bad prior to 29,173 miles. called dealer about problem, told them 25,000+/- miles was too soon for brakes to wear. dealer said they make brakes different now. dealer would not replace them under warrenty. ended up replacing them at my own expense myself. brakes still scrape when moving vehicle at 5 mph. at 55-60 mph and press the brake pedal hard vehicle will shake vigorously pulling the steering wheel out of hand. have not driven my vehicle since march 2002. trying to sell it. almost had it sold when the person buying the car talked to the dealer that sold me my car. the salesman at the dealer said to her that he wouldn't think of selling her a malibu and that she should stay away from them. the salesman said that the malibu has a lot of problems, mostly the brakes and is basically a lemon. chevrolet knows about the brake problem on earlier models (98-00), but has yet to correct the problem. now i have a car i can't drive or sell!*ak

Dangerous brake rotor warpage every 16,000 miles like clock work. causes weak brakes and extreme ware to front end moving parts. new top of the line rotors and pads will not cure problem. it is an engineering screw up. this is an ongoing engineering problem and why gm is going broke. *tr

On the 22nd of october my vehicle had lost its brakes while traveling down a hill. my immediate response was to apply my emergency brake which did stop my car but also proceeded to cause it to crash. upon investigation by my ins. co. (nationwide ins.) they found that both front brake hoses had frayed on the malibu which had caused me to lose my brakes. further action will be taken to be reimbursed for my vehicle which is now considered totalled. my concern is that this does not happen to other owners of the same type vehicle and i am further requesting a recall on the hoses of the malibu. a report is available from my ins. co @[xxx]harrisburg, pa [xxx] thank you, [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Front brake rotors warped and braking effected. front brake rotors had to be replaced. this should not happen to a new car with 5,200 miles. service dept said this is not a uncommon problem. brakes rotors should be made better! *ak

Engine pings with no reason, rotors are looking bad early on. *ak

Consumerhears a wierd noise when braking. please provide any further information. mr

Vibration and pulsating when applying brakes, grinding noise can be heard. dealer replaced front rotors and pads. rotors were replaced a second time in october 2001 for premature wear. *jg *ak

Vehicle stalls while driving, dealer can not remedy the problem, oil pan experienced a leak, service engine light and check engine light illuminated. *slc

2001 chevrolet malibu has developed problems with the braking and the cooling systems.***no answer required***. *mr one month after the vehicle was purchased the rotor assembly was replaced. the vehicle would turn over but it wouldn't start. the dealer replaced the fuel pump. when accelerating the vehicle's coolant light illuminated on the dash. the dealer determined that there was a leak at the by pass pipe at the lower intake manifold. the alternator was replaced under warranty. the hazard and turn signal switch were replaced. the right outer tie rod were worn loose. the dealer replaced the right outer tie rod ends and set the front end. the right front wheel bearing was replaced. the abs malfunctioned. *nm

Brakes are spongy. there is a lot of play in the brakes. when applying brakes has to press down hard to stop. brakes sound like metal to metal rubbing when applying hard. contacted dealer, and dealer stated couldn't get vehicle to duplicate itself.*ak

Item#1) brought vehicle in for service for engine noise. advised pistons needed replacment. advised car was "safe to drive". pistons on national backorder. left copy of service repair order with saleswoman and advised her to contact general manager of dealership and chevrolet of problem. item#2) brakes, brought in vehicle for service on 02-14-2001 for brake instability on wet pavement. advised brakes were "normal" after test drive. no on hoist inspection was performed . brought in vehicle on 03-21-2001 for brakes and engine noise. advised brakes were "normal" again, no action was taken regarding brakes after road test by dealership. pistons needing replacment constitutes a failure of major drivetrain components and this vehicle will not be construed as "safe". a replacement vehicle must be provided or refund of all expenses and return of trade-in vehicle which was reliable.*ak